Private transfers from Barcelona Airport to city

At just 20-25mins for the 17km journey to Placa Catalunya I think slumming it in a black & yellow Barcelona cab perfectly acceptable.

If you don't want to take the Aerobus to Placa Catalunya or Placa d'Espanya then I would just take a regular taxi from the airport taxi stand and expect to pay about €32.

We will be 4 adults plus luggage, so not sure if a regular taxi would work? Travel agent has quoted private transfer at $35 CAD per person. Does that sound reasonable at $140 CAD?

The majority of taxis are licensed to carry 4 passengers and even in a larger van taxi, you don't pay extra unless you have more than 4. See also:

https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/airport/transport/barcelona-airport-taxis.html

http://taxi.amb.cat/en/usuari

Helen, that sounds like a ridiculous amount of money to me.

Thanks all, very helpful information.

... a regular taxi will take 4pax with "normal" luggage and will cost you around 35-40€ to the centre (approx)... per CAR, not per person! If you have large luggage, or more than 4pax, you can ask the marshall at the taxi rank at the airport to fetch you a larger minivan-type regular taxi, which will be marginally more expensive... less than 5 extra euros... again, per CAR, not person. Taxi is the best private means of transportation to move about in the city. And 95% of them are honest :)

PS: Having said that, for moving about when in the city and not carrying luggage I strongly recommend public transportation (metro, bus, tramway), which is efficient, clean, safe, cheap and convenient... and used by most Barcelonians!

Thanks so much. Lovely to hear from a “local”, Appreciate your help.

High-level private transfer (Mercedes VAN with 7 seats) will cost you the amount they have quoted actually or even higher depending on the company and the hours (night hours are charged more).
For taxi, pay attention to the meter and the add-ons that you can find on the sticker at the window. Normally the taxi drivers are honest but there are stories as everywhere.

Thanks to all for your help.